The 9-dart finish is the pinnacle of perfection in the world of darts. It’s the equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf or a perfect game in bowling. Hitting a single 9-darter is an incredible accomplishment, but has anyone ever managed to hit back-to-back 9-darters? In this blog post, we will delve into the history of this rare feat and celebrate the remarkable players who have achieved it.
The Rarity of Back-to-Back 9-Darters
Considering the level of skill, consistency, and focus required to execute a 9-dart finish, it’s no surprise that back-to-back 9-darters are exceedingly rare. While there have been several instances of players hitting two 9-dart finishes in a single tournament or match, the instances of consecutive 9-darters are few and far between.
Phil Taylor: A Legend’s Legendary Feat
Phil “The Power” Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, achieved the astonishing feat of hitting back-to-back 9-darters during the 2010 Premier League Darts match against James Wade. Taylor’s incredible accomplishment remains the only recorded instance of consecutive 9-darters in a televised professional darts match. You can watch this remarkable moment here.
Notable Mentions: Near Misses and Lower-Level Achievements
While Phil Taylor’s back-to-back 9-darters stand alone in the professional televised realm, there have been other instances of players coming close or achieving the feat in non-televised, lower-level competitions:
- In 2013, Michael van Gerwen narrowly missed hitting back-to-back 9-darters during the PDC World Championship semi-final against James Wade. Van Gerwen hit a 9-darter, followed by eight perfect darts, missing the final double 12 by a hair’s breadth.
- In 2014, amateur player Aaron Turner achieved back-to-back 9-darters during a local league match in Sheffield, UK, although this was not in a professional or televised setting.
A Feat for the Ages
So, has anyone ever hit back-to-back 9-darters? The answer is yes, but only one player, the legendary Phil Taylor, has achieved this incredible feat in a televised professional match. While other players have come close or achieved the feat in non-professional settings, back-to-back 9-darters remain one of the most elusive and awe-inspiring accomplishments in the world of darts.
